With longer and warmer days it might seem even more difficult than usual to stay on task in the office. Dreaming about going on vacation or simply enjoying a BBQ outside, the office seems grayer than usual. Trust me when I say that you are not alone but thankfully I know a few tips on how to stay motivated when the beaches are calling.
Make a to-do list
When you are constantly bombarded with endless deadlines, it’s easy to suffer from burnout quickly. By making a to-do list you are able to have a clear layout of all the tasks that need to be done before the end of the day and stay focused on getting the job done, while leaving other less important tasks for a later time. There is also a great sense of fulfillment as you tick each task off your checklist. Another side to this is that having an organized schedule allows you to pace yourself and therefore having sufficient opportunities for breaks to get recharged.
Divide and conquer
When faced with an overwhelming tasks, try to break it up into smaller and more manageable pieces. Little by little you are able to chip away at a task that seemed impossible to get done. This is another area where having a to-do list comes in handy, by allowing you to have small victories along the way.
Think of the bigger picture
When faced with our daily mundane tasks, it’s easy to loose sight of the bigger picture. Try to focus on why you chose your job or what your end goals are. It might have taken a lot of effort to get where you are or this is what you need to overcome in order to get where you want to be. By successfully completing today’s tasks, you are paving the path towards a greater future.
Your office away from the office
While still working from home, you might be faced with even more distractions that make it close to impossible to stay focused. On your really off days you might even consider working from bed or keeping the video turned off during that zoom meeting so no one can see your flannel pajamas. These are all things that can really hinder you from feeling motivated and that’s why it’s important to get up, get dressed and establish a dedicated workspace. It’s crucial to have a workspace separate from areas where you relax, such as the bedroom or living room. In the same way that it can make it difficult to focus on work in these spaces, it can also make it difficult to relax after work and have downtime.
The 10-minute rule
Getting started is sometimes the hardest part! Whether the task seems challenging, frustrating or simply boring, it can be difficult to convince yourself to get started. When faced with this hurdle, one of the best ways to get motivated, is using the “10-minute rule.” It works by telling yourself you only need to work on a specific task for 10 minutes, before taking a break if you need to. More than often you will find your rhythm in the first 10 minutes and feel determined to get the task done. Therefore, getting started can be the toughest part but once you do, it’s easier to keep the momentum going.
